In early 2012, Italian designersFor the first time, the conceptual version of the Fiat 500X model was presented to the general public. Technical characteristics and appearance of this small crossover already interested many potential buyers. Along with this, the appearance of the serial version had to wait more than two years. His official debut took place in October last year as part of the international automobile exhibition in Paris.
The implementation of the novelty in Europe should begin invery soon. As for deliveries to the domestic market, the company's representatives are not yet named for a specific date of their start. Moreover, they are not yet sure for sure whether the model will be sold in Russia at all.
Whatever it was, the buyers (so far onlyEuropean) will be available options for cars with full or plug-in front-wheel drive. Another interesting feature of the model is that the designers created two stylistic versions of Fiat 500X. Their characteristics are practically the same. Together with this, the first version of the car is designed for operation in urban conditions. It is equipped with standard bumpers and a small plastic body kit. As for the second modification, it is more suitable for lovers of suburban relaxation, so designers have equipped it with other bumpers and more powerful plastic protection.
In general, the exterior of the car is veryattractive and typically Italian. This becomes clear even at the first glance at the new Fiat 500X. The photos of the car are superfluous proof of the fact that in its appearance there are features of the five hundredth model that has become popular all over the world, as well as the motives that are typical for the small minivan "500L". In the front part of the novelty headlights of unusual shape are distinguished, as well as original air intake openings. Behind the eye rushes a rather large bumper, just huge lanterns and a stylish spoiler. Mounted on the legs-support side mirrors give the appearance of auto dynamics. In the profile of the body should be noted large doorways and wheel arches, as well as a relatively short hood. According to many experts, in terms of style, the novelty should make a serious competition to recognized leaders in this direction - cars that belong to the MINI brand.
Dimensions of the model in length, width and heightare 4250x1800x1600 millimeters. In this case, it should be noted that the nuance that the version with a full drive machine, respectively, 20 and 2 millimeters longer and higher. In addition, depending on the drive and the size of the wheels installed on the Fiat 500X, the vehicle's clearance is between 185 and 200 millimeters.
Separate delightful words deserve howskillfully able to create Italian designers in such a modest, at first glance, space, so spacious and comfortable salon. Inside can accommodate five adult men of medium configuration. It can not be said that they will feel very free. On the other hand, they will not be close to them either. Front seats are easy to fit and good lateral support. The front panel is designed very practical, stylish and at the same time restrained. Reading all the indications of driver control systems is very convenient. In general, when decorating the interior designers preferred a rather restrained solutions. High quality materials are used in upholstery. In addition, the developers thought out the smallest elements in the interior of Fiat 500X to the smallest detail. With regard to the volume of the luggage compartment, it is 350 liters.
Already in the standard version of the noveltyequipped with an on-board computer with a 6.5-inch touch screen, air conditioning, a modern multimedia and stabilization system, heated side mirrors and electric windows on all doors. For an additional fee on the car you can install a system to prevent unauthorized crossing of the dividing line on the track, a program for tracking the presence in blind obstacle areas, climate control. In addition, a potential buyer can order the leather upholstery of the entire cabin.
Quite good are in the new Fiat 500Xspecifications. The basic power unit for the model was a 1.4-liter engine, capable of developing a horsepower of 170 horsepower. It is used exclusively for vehicles with front-wheel drive. Besides it, the car is available with two variants of diesel engines. The first of them has a volume of 1.6 liters and a capacity of 120 "horses". The second engine is a 140-hp unit with a capacity of 2.0 liters. As for the transmission, it is available as an automatic and a mechanical box. Both of them consist of six gears. In addition to them for the version with a four-wheel drive, it is possible to install a "machine" for nine speeds.
According to many experts and first owners"Fiat 500X", the car leaves a rather ambiguous sense of control. Suspension of the novelty is very stiff, so it works without problems with small and even medium roughness of the road surface, without affecting the comfort of passengers.
One of the main advantages that canboast crossover "Fiat 500X" can be called his extraordinary appearance. It should be noted that the manufacturer offers twelve color options and eight different wheel rims for the car to choose from. The advantages are also the high quality of assembly and finishing materials. At a high level is the dynamics of the novelty (especially in the case of modifications with the most powerful engines).
Disadvantages of the Fiat 500X there are onlyonly a few. The main one is not the best steering. One can only hope that it was characteristic only for the tested pre-season version of the car and that the manufacturer would eliminate it when launching new items on the conveyor. Otherwise, no doubt, the model will lose a significant proportion of potential buyers. This is not surprising, because the owners of more expensive competitor cars (models from the MINI) only praise the excellent handling from BMW. Another significant disadvantage of the novelty can be called its price. However, now it is typical for any imported car because of the purchase in foreign currency.
The cost of the Fiat 500X model in the European marketin the most modest configuration (with a front-wheel drive and manual transmission) will start from the mark of 17.5 thousand euros. Even if the manufacturing company decides to launch this car in Russia, it is unlikely that it will be in great demand and popularity. If we talk about the top version of the novelty, equipped with a two-liter diesel engine and automatic transmission, then it will have to lay out just over 30 thousand euros. And this is even without taking into account the possible installation of additional equipment and systems, which were discussed earlier.
